Deep-frying is one of the most popular ways to cook food. People all over the world enjoy the crispy and golden brown deliciousness of deep fried food. It may not be the healthiest way to eat, especially if it is done regularly, but it does satisfy those late night food cravings.

Just like with everything else in life, moderation is key when it comes to eating fried food. Having a deep fryer at home allows you to cook food that is a little bit healthier than takeout and fast food options.

Other Ways to Make Fried Food

Since it has been established that eating a lot fried food is not very healthy, there is another option you can look into, which is the air fryer. This method of frying involves the use a very small amount of oil and hot air is blasted inside the unit which creates a final product that closely mimics the taste and texture of traditionally fried food. With this option available, why then do people still go for the deep fryer instead of the air fryer?

To give you a better idea, here are a few good comparison points between the traditional deep fryer and the air fryer:

Differences in Features

At first glance air fryers and deep fryers look very similar. This is because of these two types of fryers that have similar features. These features can include adjustable heat controls, timer, oil filters, and even controls that are designed to be user-friendly. The only feature that makes the air fryer standout is it has a convenient on and off switch which makes it much easier to use than a traditional air fryer, even one that has a preset thermostat.

Another similarity between the two fryers and their features is that they become more expensive when they come with a long list of features.

Cooking Capacity

Air fryers are usually smaller than deep fryers which also results in them cooking a lesser amount of food in one “frying.” A deep fryer may require a bigger and heat-resistant countertop in a kitchen, but it is better if you want to fry a larger amount of food. Plus, if you invest in a deep fryer with different basket sizes you can fry more than just type of food at the same time. This makes it more efficient in cooking than the air fryer.

Budget Concerns

If you have a tight budget, the deep fryer is a better choice compared to the air fryer. Most deep fryers cost bellow $100 while new air fryers are priced above $100. If you want to get your hands on traditionally fried food and the amount of oil used isn’t a concern for you, the deep fryer is your frying machine.

Taking Care of Your Deep Fryer

If by now you are convinced that a deep fryer is the better choice, it’s time to learn more about maintenance and cleaning the unit. There’s nothing more frustrating than using a fryer that is oily to touch and full of grease and food debris. This is very unsanitary, and it will also reduce the lifespan of your unit. Here are some simple cleaning tips to follow to make sure your fryer is always in tip top shape.

Tip 1: Setting Up for Cleaning. Before you get right down to cleaning your fryer make sure you do the following for safety reasons: unplug the machine, let the oil cool down, dispose or store oil properly. Never throw used oil down the drain!

Tip 2: Wipe First. Don’t just start with cleaning products; the amount of grease can render your dish soap useless. Instead, wipe the inside of the fryer with a paper towel so that the excess oil and grease are absorbed. This step makes it easier to clean.

Tip 3: Warm Water and Soap. Use a sponge and dip it in a solution of warm water and dish soap. Gently clean the inside and outside of the unit, being extra careful water does not spill on the electrical parts of the fryer. Rinse the water-safe parts of the unit when done.

Bonus Tip: If a foul-smelling odor develops, take a 1:9 ratio of vinegar and water solution and put it in the fryer. Let it soak for a few minutes and then rinse.

The key to taking care of your deep fryer and ensuring that it lasts a long time is to clean it regularly. Don’t let grease and debris build up for a long time or you might end up throwing away your deep fryer earlier than you should have.

Top 5 Best Deep Fryers

Now that you have learned the basics in deep fryer care, cleaning, and maintenance you’re probably looking forward to frying up some food at home. Here’s a short list of some of the highly recommended deep fryers worth looking into if you’re shopping for one.

Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer with Cool Touch

When it comes to kitchen gadgets, Hamilton Beach is one of the most popular brands. They have been producing kitchenware for over a century, and their Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer with Cool Touch has also made many people very happy. Hamilton Beach has made deep fried food easily accessible to home cooks everywhere. This review will cover the different features, the pros, and the cons that come with owning a Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer with Cool Touch.

Features

2 Liter or 8 cups oil capacity

Dimensions: 8.58”H x 11.38”W x 13.94”D

Closed lid allows for reduced splattering when cooking

Cook six cups of fries or chicken tenders in one frying

Reduced accidents thanks to the cool-touch sides

Power cord has a magnetic breakaway system

Basket lifts up for draining while lid is on

Comes with adjustable temperature settings

Power on and ready lights fitted

Check on food easily using the viewing window

Oil tank is enamel-coated making it easier to clean

Pros

Trusted and tested kitchenware brand

Hassle free frying, draining, and cleaning

Provides proper insulation

Sides are safe to touch

Unit does not get too hot

Lid reduces splattering and burns from hot oil

Cleanup is a breeze with reduces oil splatters

Large cooking capacity

Very affordable and reliable deep fryer

Cons

Very short cord length

Does not stay plugged when moved

No timer

Takes time for oil to heat up

A thermometer may be needed to monitor the oil temperature

Verdict

If you are on the search for an affordable deep fryer that can cook more than enough fried goods for two people the Hamilton Beach Deep Fryer with Cool Touch is a great product to check out. It is a highly trusted brand that has made many home cooks happy with their purchase, and it might just transform your kitchen too.

T-fal Oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Immersion Deep Fryer

Dealing with hot oil to get that perfectly deep fried and golden brown food can be dangerous, especially if you’ve never tried deep-frying before. Although frying is one of the easiest ways to get tasty and delicious food, you could end up injuring yourself if you don’t know what you’re doing. Plus, frying in a shallow pan or a pot creates a lot of oil splatters which can be a hassle to clean up afterward. Facing these challenges can turn a person off from deep-frying.

Lucky for fried food lovers, there are electric deep fryers like the T-fal Oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Immersion Deep Fryer. Here you will learn more about this deep fryer to help you determine if this will be a good gadget to add to your kitchen or not.

Features

5L oil capacity

1700-watt fryer

Can cook u to 2.65 pounds of food in one frying

Dishwasher safe parts makes cleanup easier

Handles are cool to the touch even when fryer is on

Thermostat is adjustable

Immersion heating element helps maintain oil temperature

Easy cooking and quick draining through the two-position baskets

Restaurant-quality results

EZ Clean oil-filtration system is patented

Save on oil cost and make oil storage simple

Pros

Immersion heating element allows constant fried results

Maintains oil temperature to make restaurant-quality food

Food tastes better

Easy to drain and clean oil tank

Stores used oil in a plastic tank with pour spout

Saves money by allowing you to easily reuse oil

Dishwasher safe parts makes cleaning fast and simple

Deep-frying food is made easier, better, safer, and simpler

Cons

Short cord

Costs a lot

May be susceptible to receiving broken parts

Shipping mishandling and manufacturing errors are an issue

Verdict

If you believe in getting only the best of the best even when it comes to deep fryers, the T-fal Oil Filtration Ultimate EZ Clean Immersion Deep Fryer will greatly impress you. You will never have an unsatisfied fried food craving ever again with this deep fryer in your kitchen.

Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer

Having an electric fryer at home means you have easy access to your favorite fried food when you get a craving. This also means that you can cut your visits to the fast food joint nearest your home. Although homemade deep-fried food isn’t that healthy, it is a healthier option to fast food. Deep-frying is a matter of waiting for the oil to reach the correct temperature and then frying the food until it is perfectly golden brown and crispy.

You can do all this and more with the help of the Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer in your kitchen. Read on to learn more about this quaint deep fryer.

Features

4:4 food to oil ratio

Cooks big servings at once

Built-in, preset thermostat

Perfect frying results for restaurant-quality food

Inside and outside nonstick surface makes for a hassle-free cleanup

Handy scoop makes lifting, draining, and serving easier

Fits the North American Electrical Standards

Automatically maintains optimum temperature for frying

Two-year limited warranty

Pros

Saves on oil cost with 4:4 food to oil ratio

Cuts down cooking time

Less food prep involved

Easy to clean

Very affordable

Built-in thermostat maintains oil temperature

Fries food to perfection

No soggy or over-fried food

Compact and easy to store

Cons

Not great for frying in bulk

Teflon coating inside is prone to melting

Preset thermostat cannot be adjusted

Unit may become too hot if over-used

Verdict

As far as affordable deep fryers go, the Presto FryDaddy Electric Deep Fryer is still one of the best deep fryers within its price range. If you’re into frying small amounts of food or you’re planning to enjoy fried food occasionally this is the deep fryer you should add to your kitchen.

Cuisinart CDF-200 Deep Fryer

There is something nostalgic about the smell of fried food. Maybe it takes us back to the time when we were younger and carefree. Or maybe the crispy goodness of fried food just makes us happy in general. Whatever the reason may be, we all have those moments where we look for some comfort in the form of a perfectly fried and crisp food.

Having a deep fryer at home doesn’t mean you’ll start binging on fries or onion rings. A deep fryer can give you a treat as a reward for a long week, and it’s also great when you have company over. This review will look into Cuisinart CDF-200 Deep Fryer to see if it will be a good deep fryer for you.

Features

Easily make restaurant-quality deep fried food

Oil capacity of 4-quarts

Cooks up to 2.3 pounds of food

Large, stainless, mesh basket with cool-touch handle

1800-watt removable immersion-style heating element

Recovers from heat loss quickly

1-gallon enamel-coated oil container with pouring spout is removable

Uniformed heating

Basket, oil container, and lid all dishwasher safe

Pros

Trusted kitchenware brand

Consistently delivers high-quality fried food

Temperature display

Monitoring food is easy

Immersion-style heating element allows consistency

Maintains a steady temperature for accurate frying

Recovers from heat loss quickly

Well-designed

Heats oil within five to ten minutes

Easy and manageable cleanup

Cons

Consumes a lot of oil

Not suitable if you are not an avid fried food eater

More expensive than other brands

Sometimes fryer does not reach the desired temperature

Verdict

When it comes to deep fryers that can handle a good amount of frying there’s no other than the Cuisinart CDF-200 Deep Fryer. This is the best fryer to purchase if you are planning to fry in bulk or you are feeding a large family.

Gourmia GDF500 Compact Electric Deep Fryer

Enjoying fried food in moderation can be a worth it treat. The reason why fried food is so delicious is that hot oil alters the taste of the food and gives it another layer of flavor. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it has a nice and crunchy exterior while the insides are still nice and juicy. Thinking of all those delectable fried food can conjure up a big craving that needs to be satisfied.

Having a deep fryer like the Gourmia GDF500 Compact Electric Deep Fryer can give you easy access to all the fried food you could ever want. From French fries to onion rings, you will be able to make your own versions of this well-loved food and so much more.

Features

Multi frying capability

Single/double basket design allows frying of two different types of food

2 Liter oil capacity

Can cook up to four pounds of food

Simple to use with the digital control

Lock and block flavor technology enhances taste

Odor reduction system utilizes activated carbon fry filter

Produces a clean, fresh, and delicious taste

Removable fry tank

Stainless steel exterior

Easy to clean both interior tank and exterior body

Pros

Allows users to fry two different types of food simultaneously

Flavors do not mix

Three baskets with two different sizes

Large baskets allows bigger batches

Small baskets allow variety

Makes frying less of a hassle

Easy to put together when it arrives

Easy to pull apart for cleaning

Temperature stays consistent

Easy to maintain constant temperature

Gives restaurant like results

Eliminates distinct deep-frying odor produced

Activated carbon filter keeps foul smells at a minimum

Makes deep-frying more enjoyable

Eliminates nasty grease smells

Cons

Gets really hot can damage kitchen counters

Heat-resistant countertop is a must

More expensive than other brands

Consumes a lot of counter space

May be difficult to store

Verdict

For those who love variety with the food that they eat the Gourmia GDF500 Compact Electric Deep Fryer makes a wonderful deep fryer choice. It allows you to fry more than one kind of food at the same time, giving it a clear edge over other brands and models.

Conclusion

There is no denying that fried food is delicious, but it is also very unhealthy if too much is eaten regularly. Deep fryers give you easy access to fried food whenever you have a craving, but it is also a way to keep you away from fast food and take out. Remember; when you get your hands on the best deep fryer in the market, don’t overdo it. Eat fried food in moderation ,and you will enjoy this guilty pleasure longer.

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